Binary Numbers

Definition

Binary numbers are a number system made up of 0's and 1's. It is used in computers to represent information.




Explanation:

All information is stored in a computer in binary code. Each character or symbol consists of a combination of 0's and 1's. For example, the letter "A" is stored as 01000001.

Bit

Definition:

A bit is a single Binary digIT, 0 or 1. It is the smallest unit of data that a computer can process.


Explanation:
A bit gets its name from a combination of two words, Binary and digIT. A bit is either a 0 or a 1. A 0 is like an "off" switch for electronic impulses, and a 1 is like an "on" switch. A computer uses this to process all information. (8 Bits = 1 Byte)

Kilobyte (Kb)

Definition: A kilobyte is a unit of measurement for memory and disk capacity. One K = 1,024 bytes.

Explanation: The prefix "Kilo" means thousand. A kilobyte counts thousands of bytes.

Megabyte (MB)

Definition:

A megabyte is a unit of measure used to describe memory and disk capacity that is equal to approximately 1 million bytes or 1,024 kilobytes.

Explanation: The prefix "Mega" means million. A megabyte counts millions of bytes.

Gigabyte (GB)


Definition:

A gigabyte is a unit used for measuring a computer's memory or disk capacity. It is equal to approximately one billion bytes or 1,024 megabytes.


Explanation: The prefix "giga" means billion. Counting gigabytes can tell you how large your hard drive is by counting billions of bytes.

Comparison Charts:



8 Bits


=
1 Byte
1024 Bytes
=
1 Kilobyte (KB)
1024 Kilobytes
=
1 Megabyte (MB)
1024 Megabytes
=
1 Gigabyte (GB)
1024 Gigabytes
=
1 Terabyte (TB)
1024 Terabytes
=
1 Exabyte (EB)
1 KB = Approximate number of pages of text: 1/2 page

1 MB = Approximate number of pages of text: 500 pages of text

1 GB = Approximate number of pages of text: 500,000 pages of text

1 TB = Approximate number of pages of text:500,000,000 pages of text.


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Sources:
OnlineConversion.com
http://www.manassas.k12.va.us/round/Technology/Technology2/binarynum.htm